Minnesota Justice Information Services deploys BIO-key solution

WALL, N.J., May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BIO-key International, a leader in finger-based biometric identification solutions, today announced the statewide expansion of the state of Minnesota's eCharging pilot. This solution utilizes BIO-key's WEB-key® fingerprint biometric software for officers to establish their identity when electronically signing criminal complaints.

The paperless eCharging system increases efficiency by allowing police officers and prosecutors to electronically transmit charging documents in real-time with the courts. The electronic delivery eliminates duplicate data entry and forms, and time and travel for document delivery.

As reported on Fox 21 News affiliate KQDS-DT in Minnesota, this system is the first of its kind in the country, saving police hours of time previously spent on paperwork, which enables them to get back out in the community faster. What used to take days, now takes only minutes. To establish their identity when electronically signing a complaint, law enforcement officers simply place a finger onto an inexpensive fingerprint reader that plugs into the officer's computer. The BIO-key software quickly and accurately establishes the officers' identity by comparing a scanned image against their previously registered fingerprints.

"Feedback from the pilot users was very positive and the use of the system has been found to be very intuitive. The biometric signing is fast, accurate convenient and easy to use," said Jill Oliveira, Public Information Officer for the Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Chief Dana Waldron from the Virginia MN Police Department added he wouldn't dream of going back to paper.

The major benefits of the system include:

"The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has been truly innovative in applying technology to not only improve the services it provides its constituents but in a way that requires fewer resources! This is a model solution that every state should deploy," added BIO-key CEO Mike DePasquale.